Kilimanjaro Mountain Biking Day Trip

WHY THIS ITINERARY?

Mountain bike on Kilimanjaro! For those that love adventure and really want to get the heart pumping then this is a great add on to any safari that allows you to have a taste of the high altitude, see one of the prettiest parts of Kilimanjaro and see all the different habitats in one ride / transect.

DESCRIPTION

Starting on the Western side of Kilimanjaro National Park, this hike explores the Shira Plateau – the oldest of the 3 volcanoes on Kilimanjaro. An EARLY start is required to make the most of this itinerary and we strongly recommend our 2 day program so you can sleep closer to the mountain to maximise the early part of the day on the Shira Plateau. Starting points are selecting according to ability with the more adventurous rides incorporating the Shira Cathedral route, then onto the rescue track and latterly once out of the National Park gate you enter the forest reserve. For advanced riders the forest sections are well worth it. For more conservative riders the rescue track is a great scenic ride that takes you through all zones.

HIGHLIGHTS

Riding Kilimanjaro! The Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo, crossing the Shira plateau, Shira Cathedral, the moorland, heath, afromontane forest, plantation forest, farmland rides.

ITINERARY

Early in the morning, normally around 6am, you are collected from your hotel with a packed lunch and transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park. Formalities are completed at Londorosi Gate before getting back in the car and transiting past Morum Barrier, right on to the edge of the Shira Plateau and onwards to the end road. Here, depending on your ability and guides discretion, there are two route options, one via Shira Cathedral or staying on the rescue road. It is a thrilling and stunning ride down, and for advanced riders single track routes exist in the forestry zone below the national park. Linking from this itinerary you can head back to accommodation or link to other biking and hiking modules (West Kili, Arusha National Park, Natron and so on).

END OF SERVICES

INCLUDES  

• Support vehicle with fridge (water + some soft drinks)

• Picnic hamper with teas / coffee

• Meals as noted in itinerary

• Mountain bike with front suspension (send size info in advance, failure to do so may result in a smaller or larger bike than you are used to) - current stock is Titan Racing Drone ELITE model + Giant Fathom. Full suspension and electric on request (additional payment).

• Water bottle

• Cycling helmet WFR certified bike guide + small first aid kit

• For a full list of includes and excludes please refer to your tour operator as itineraries in this region can be complicated and require many moving parts.  

WHAT TO WEAR/ BRING  

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Buff or lightweight neck gaiter (for keeping out dust)

• Rain shell

• Mid layer down (very cold mornings)

• Long sleeve t shirt 

• Hiking trousers (zip off style are recommended so you have shorts too)

• Mountain biking shorts (padded a good idea)

• Your own peddles if clips are to be used (you can request in advance for our double sided ones too)

• Waterproof trousers Socks Trail or hiking boots

• Water bottle for extra water

• Small backpack

• Small first aid kit